Chapter 17

Fingers traced the contours of his face. Across delicately arched eyebrows, blue eyes watched as Kevin memorized the features before him.

"Kevin."

How long had he waited to hear his name fall from those lips once again? To see those eyes looking back into his? Taking the soft face into his grasp, he silently asked for permission. Seeing the eyes slowly close, Kevin leaned in and gently claimed lips as his arms moved to pull Nick’s body closer. A soft touch at first, then another and another. Tender, heartfelt kisses, more to comfort then anything else. Nick’s hands rested on Kevin’s chest as he leaned in, only to suddenly stiffen in the older man’s arms.

Kevin, gently but firmly maintaining his hold saw Nick pull his head back and looked searchingly into Kevin’s face. Although his hands remained, the hesitation Kevin read in his eyes caused him to worry.

"Nick?"

"It’s really you, isn’t it?"

Nick looked almost afraid of his answer.

"Yes, Nick. It’s me."

And now it was Nick’s turn to run his fingers over Kevin’s face. But where Kevin’s touch had been reverent, Nick’s was hesitant, almost as if he was waiting for something to happen. After a few more moments, Nick’s eyes finally focused once more on Kevin, an apologetic smile on his face.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean- I should have known-"

Shaking his head at his inability to express his thoughts, feeling slightly foolish that he was holding back when he was finally in Kevin’s arms, Nick fell silent, now totally unwilling to look into the older man’s eyes. So, he completely missed the worried look Kevin was giving him.

"Nick?"

When Nick still refused to meet his eyes, Kevin focused his feelings into a single thought.

//Nezadi?//

Instinctively, Nick responded and Kevin gasped in surprise to see the unshed tears in his eyes. Pulling the younger man into an embrace, he felt Nick rest his head on his shoulder. The younger man’s tears mingling with the light rain that had begun to fall. Looking up at the sky, the droplets washing away his own tears, Kevin felt the healing of the land begin as the waters cleansed the earth. Like the rain, he would heal the wounds of his mate. Feeling the arms of his brothers surround them, he made a quick prayer to Khira, thanking her for her blessings and the gift of family he had been given.

They stood like that for a long moment. The rainfall scarcely noticed, as five men that had withstood an amazing challenge basked in the warmth of their love and friendship.

"As much as I love you guys and all that, my leg’s really starting to hurt."

Howie pulled back and resumed supporting AJ as they broke apart.

"Let me take a look, AJ."

Nick bent down and placed his hands over the wound. Within a few minutes, the wound was healed, and Nick stood up to give AJ another hug.

"All better, AJ. I missed you."

"Aww, Nicky. Always knew I was your favorite."

Nick pulled back, a cheeky smile on his face.

"Better not let Kevin hear you say that. Don’t think he’d be too partial to anyone flirting with his future husband, close friend or not."

Nick’s words had been heard only by AJ, but AJ’s response was heard by all as Nick showed him Kevin’s ring on his finger.

"FUTURE HUSBAND!!!"

Nick turned to see the other’s reactions, and would have laughed but for the same shock he saw on Brian and Howie’s face mirrored on Kevin. For one horrifying moment, the thought that Kevin had changed his mind filled his head, and he couldn’t think past the loud thumping of his heart. Then all his fears vanished as Kevin’s face broke into a smile as he pulled Nick back to him and wrapped an arm around Nick’s waist. Kissing Nick’s cheek, he turned to the still shocked three.

"You are all invited to the wedding, of course."

Brian was the one to break the silence, his amazement palpable.

"Where in the world during Nick’s capture, us surviving a storm at sea, seeing Khira in Nick’s body and slaying Modezarran, did you find the time to propose?!"

"As I’m going to make sure Nick finds out, my dear prince, I am a man of many talents."

Howie just broke out into joyful laughter as he rushed to embrace the couple followed by AJ and Brian.

"Anyone else think we do this too often?"

"AJ!"

"What?! Just stating an opinion. You know Howie, you’re really starting get grumpy in your old age."

"Old age!"

"There, see! All I’m saying is-"

Their voices fading as they moved toward Myaku’s village. The rain was coming to its end. Brian, smiling at the departing figures turned back towards the two by him. Seeing them smile back at him, he couldn’t help shaking his head as he thought of the events that had led to this. Watching as Kevin placed a kiss to Nick’s temple before moving past Brian to give the brothers some time alone, one thought flashed through his mind.

‘They were always meant to be.’

Calling to the older man, Kevin stopped to turn back questioningly.

"Welcome to the family, Kevin."

A smile appeared before the older man nodded and continued on. Turning once more to Nick, Brian saw him watching Kevin’s progress, a faint smile on his lips.

//We will talk of the other matter, Nick. I have not forgotten//

//I knew you wouldn’t. When we are alone//

Feeling a shiver of pleasure go through him as Kevin let him know of some other things he wanted to do when they were alone, Nick smiled as he felt the kiss to his temple before Kevin moved away. His heart warmed at Brian’s words and found it hard to look away from the older man. Feeling eyes on him, he turned to meet Brian’s amused gaze, and felt his face flush with embarrassment.

Seeing his younger brother blush, Brian couldn’t help his laugh.

"You’re redder than Gizlayla’s tomatoes!"

"I am not!"

Then, as if realizing how childish he sounded, he glared at his brother who just continued laughing. Brian’s laughter, being as infectious as it was especially to Nick, was soon joined by him and the two embraced, brothers long since separated now reunited once again.

"I missed you, Nicky. Don’t ever do that to me again."

Brian stared straight into his brother’s eyes as if daring him to disobey. Nick understanding the sentiments behind the words, nodded his head, never breaking his brother’s gaze.

"I love you, Brian."

AJ’s loud voice from the edge of the grove broke the emotional moment.

"You two, break it up! I didn’t come all this way to rescue Nick just to have you guys die of pneumonia on me."

The brothers smiled at each other before moving. As they walked side by side, Nick couldn’t help question his brother.

"How do you think the King and Queen will take the news?"

Risking a glance to Brian, Nick found him deep in thought. Just when he was about to repeat the question, Brian replied.

"They love you like their own, Nick. Father may be slightly shocked but I think mother has always known."

At Nick’s surprised look, Brian just smiled.

"You know she misses very little, and even less when it comes to us."

"That’s true."

As they rejoined the Terayanu, the guys set to work helping to repair the damage wrought by Jakati. Nick helped with the injured, Cole never leaving his side. Jayden had come to see him, begging forgiveness for trying to kill Nick. Nick had explained that he was doing what he thought best for his people and there was no blame. They had forged a quick friendship and Jayden could be seen often by Nick’s side as well.

Looking up after attending to his latest patient, Nick caught AJ’s glance his way. Sighing, he pretended he didn’t notice. All day, Brian, AJ, Howie and Kevin had never let him out of their sight for more than a few minutes. Looking up he could always find at least one within range of him. He understood their feelings but was starting to feel a little closed in. Giving Cole a smile at his side, who was turning out to be quite the little helper, Nick walked over to AJ. Moving away from the mended fence, AJ watched Nick’s approach, a slightly guilty look on his face.

"Hey Nick. What’s up?"

Nick smiled in response, his blue eyes glinting in the sunlight. A guilty AJ was always fun, but decided AJ had had enough shocks for now.

"Thought we might get something to eat?"

"Yeah, that’d be great. The others?"

"I’ll let Kevin know."

They started walking towards the food tent that had been set up.

//Kevin?//

//Yes, Nick?//

//AJ, Cole and I are heading over for some food. Join us?//

//Sure. Brian and Howie are with me. We’ll meet you there//

With a last mental caress, Kevin ended their conversation.

"Must you always have a sappy smile after talking to your man?"

AJ groused affectionately. Nick just gave him a smug smile in return.

"Yes."

Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, Nick stopped walking. AJ immediately on guard reached for his dagger.

"Nick?"

"You guys go on ahead."

"Absolutely out of the quest-"

"Look, AJ."

AJ caught the flash of dark skin and recognized Jayden standing by the shed. Relaxing, he put an arm around Cole’s shoulders and led him away with a parting smile to Nick.

"Don’t take too long, or we’ll be forced to send the cavalry."

Nick nodded and moved towards the shed. Standing before him, Nick greeted the man, a small smile playing on his lips as he strengthened his mental shields against the chance Kevin overheard.

"Hello, Luke."

Jayden smiled in response only to have his image melt away to reveal Luke. Nick had returned to camp to find Cole safely in the hands of Matthew, Allyne and Wesley, Luke no where in sight.

"Thank you for taking care of Cole."

Nodding, Luke remained silent. Nick noticed the pack by his side and realized the warlock was leaving. Looking back into Luke’s dark eyes, Nick gave the man a sad smile as he shook his head.

"I’m not for you, Luke."

"I could make you happy."

Reaching for Nick’s hand, Luke raised it to his lips and gave it a soft kiss. Nick remained silent and as Luke looked at the hand he was holding, he caught sight of Kevin’s ring.

"He has claimed you."

Nick reached over to run to run his fingers over the side of Luke’s face before taking a step back.

Luke shouldered his pack, and gave Nick a small smile, his eyes now unreadable.

"The day he hurts you will be his last."

"Then he will live forever."

Luke turned to walk away only to have Nick pull him into a hug.

"I don’t blame you for all that has happened to me, Luke."

Pulling back to look into eyes, Nick continued.

"Don’t blame yourself."

Nick read the surprise in Luke’s eyes before all emotions were shuttered away once again behind dark eyes. Nick moved away then, having done all he could. Luke gave him another smile before moving away, stopping once a few feet away to turn back.

"I’ll keep in touch."

Nick watched till Luke was no longer in sight before turning towards the shadows by the shed. Smiling, he couldn’t help the cheeky tone.

"Thank you for not killing him."

"The thought did cross my mind."

Kevin held out his hand to Nick and led the younger man into the shed, closing the door behind them. Pulling Nick into a deep kiss, Nick groaned under the assault, his hands tangling themselves in Kevin’s hair. Kevin’s hands rubbed his back coming to rest around his waist. Finally pulling apart, Kevin felt his breath catch at the sight of Nick’s reddened lips and glazed eyes. Seeing Nick focus back on him, Kevin smiled tenderly only to be pulled back for more, Nick’s voice resonating in his mind.

//I just love how good you taste//

//The feeling’s mutual, Nezadi//

More words were beyond them as they lost themselves in each other.